ALP recently undertook a scoping survey, commissioned by Edge an independent education foundation, dedicated to raising the stature of practical and vocational learning to track the career paths of ‘Ex-Apprentices'.  The response was tremendous and ALP has been able to capture their stories which provide a comprehensive picture of 'Ex-Apprentice's successes'.

Find below a few exemplars of their achievement as result of taking an Apprenticeship route.

 

"I was sick of school and I wanted to earn money"

 I decided to go into an Apprenticeship against the advice of my teachers as I achieved A-C GCSE grades and was encouraged towards Levels.

I also knew that I wanted to continue learning but knew that if I went to college full-time I would probably just waste my time... I started as an Apprentice initially as a work experience; this helped me to decide that I wanted to work within HR. I went on to a Modern Apprenticeship and continued to attend college. I carried on climbing the career ladder over the next eight years but had the learning bug, so I was always studying whilst working full-time.

My last position was HR Manager for the UK, Europe and Asia for a Management Consultancy firm in the West End. After a fair amount of soul searching I decided to take a career change out of HR and out of London. Ironically I am now the Operations Director for a private Training Provider who delivers Apprenticeships in the Hairdressing industry. I love my job and I am very proud of how I got here and the opportunity I now have, through working with schools, to share my experiences at careers days/events and help young people to see their choices and realise that college isn't the only way to have a successful career.

(The full account of the case study found in the November edition of ALP's mid monthly newsletter, Connect)

 

"I became one of the first 100 Master Auto Technicians for Volkswagen UK"

I was informed by many people that I would not achieve much in life but I was determined to prove them wrong.  

I chose to do an apprenticeship in the motor industry, after completing my apprenticeship in a variety of garages. I eventually moved to a Volkswagen main dealer, where I eventually became one of the first 100 Master Auto Technicians for Volkswagen UK. I later progressed into a training role for the three years.  After a re-structure, I became the Training Manager for the Volkswagen Group Apprenticeship Programme where I am now responsible for the training and delivery of over 600 Apprentices.

 

"I decided I wanted to pass on my skills to others"

I was offered an Apprenticeship position in the hairdressing salon where I worked on a Saturday and was signed up with a training agency, NEETA Ltd. The salon and provider gave me lots of support and I completed my Level 3 and continued to develop my skills.  

I decided I wanted to pass on my skills to others and left my employment to work as a trainer Assessor. 

Two and half years ago an opportunity arose to secure an empty retail unit; I decided to use some savings to invest in my own business.  I opened the salon in August 2007 with 5 staff, two of whom were apprentices. The business, despite the economic downturn began to grow. I now have two thriving salons and 10 staff all thanks to the Apprenticeship experience.  

 

"My Apprenticeship has allowed me to complete a degree"

I decided to undertake an apprenticeship as it allowed me to work and learn at the same time. My apprenticeship has allowed me to complete a degree and a HNC (Company sponsored); it has also enabled me to travel to different parts of the world to work. My career path has involved working on a fleet of aircraft with FRA, this included line maintenance, component overhaul etc.

I have now become a Senior Lead Verification Engineer in which I plan and coordinate the Qualification Programmes on air to air refueling equipment.   I feel my apprenticeship has given me a sound knowledge of engineering.